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Kuwait Airways

The national airline of Kuwait, flying from Kuwait International

  • KuwaitCountry
  • KUIATA Code
  • KACICAO Code
  • IndependentAlliance
  • Full-ServiceAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Kuwait Airways

Kuwait Airways is the national airline of Kuwait, flying from Kuwait International Airport to the Middle East, Europe, Asia and North America. Economy fares come as Zero Bag, Saver and Economy, every economy fare includes a 7 kg cabin bag, and First Class is available on some Boeing 777 flights. This guide covers power bank rules, check-in at Terminal 4 and how it compares with Jazeera Airways and Qatar Airways.

The airline was founded in 1954 and is owned by the Kuwaiti government. Its fleet includes Boeing 777-300ER, Airbus A330neo and A320neo aircraft.

Kuwait Airways flights to Kuwait City
Photo: Latifa Almulla / Unsplash

Power Bank Rules on Kuwait Airways

Kuwait Airways follows the ICAO power bank rules in force worldwide since 27 March 2026:

  • Carry power banks in cabin baggage only, never in checked bags.
  • Up to 100 Wh is allowed without approval; 100–160 Wh needs approval from the airline.
  • A maximum of two power banks per passenger, kept within reach; no charging them, or devices from them, during the flight.

Check-In at Kuwait Terminal 4

Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure on the website and app. The airline uses Terminal 4, which is separate from the other terminals, so check before you travel. Arrive at least three hours before international flights.

Counters usually close 60 minutes before departure, and Business and First passengers have their own check-in area and lounge.

Families and Special Assistance

Infants under two travel on an adult’s lap, and bassinets can be requested on long-haul flights. Wheelchairs and other special assistance should be requested at least 48 hours before the flight.

Children travelling alone can use the escort service, which must be booked in advance through the airline’s offices or call centre.

First Class and Royal Class

Some Boeing 777-300ER aircraft have a First Class cabin with three 32 kg bags, and selected aircraft feature a premium Royal Class. Business Class is available on most routes.

How to Find Cheap Kuwait Airways Flights

Cheap Kuwait Airways flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Compare Zero Bag with Saver if you need a checked bag.
  • Avoid Eid and summer holiday peaks, when demand from Kuwait is high.
  • Book long-haul flights two to three months ahead.
  • Prepay extra baggage instead of paying at the airport.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see its fares next to Jazeera Airways, Qatar Airways and others.

Kuwait Airways vs Jazeera Airways vs Qatar Airways

Kuwait’s two airlines and a major Gulf rival.

Kuwait AirwaysJazeera AirwaysQatar Airways
HubKuwait (T4)Kuwait (T5)Doha
TypeFull-serviceLow-costFull-service
Economy cabin bag7 kg7 kg7 kg
Checked bag on cheapest fareNone (Zero Bag)None (Light)Included on most fares

See our Jazeera Airways guide and Qatar Airways guide to compare.

Arriving in Kuwait

Kuwait International Airport is about 15 km south of Kuwait City. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the easiest way into the city, as public transport is limited.

Summer temperatures in Kuwait often pass 45°C, so travel early in the morning or late in the evening if you can. Many visitors need a visa, which several nationalities can get online or on arrival, so check the rules before you fly.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is Kuwait Airways a Good Airline?

Yes. It offers generous baggage on most fares, a modern fleet and a choice of First and Business cabins, though its network is smaller than the large Gulf airlines.

Its newer Airbus A330neo and A320neo aircraft have modern seats and in-flight entertainment, which improve comfort on medium-haul flights to Europe and Asia.

For more options, see our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against HappyFares on fare types and Wego on GCC baggage fees. Rules change, so check the official website before you travel.

Airline Partnerships

The airline is not a member of a global airline alliance, but it codeshares with several airlines.

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

It has codeshare and interline agreements with airlines in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, so some connections can be booked on one ticket.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Kuwait International Airport (KWI) is the airline's only hub, with flights from Terminal 4.

Popular Kuwait Airways Routes

The busiest routes link Kuwait with Cairo, Dubai, London, Mumbai, Istanbul, Jeddah and Kochi. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

Kuwait Airways Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

Economy is sold as Zero Bag, Saver and Economy (Classic) fares. Business and First fares are also sold, with First available on Boeing 777-300ER flights.

When you change a booking, you pay any fare difference plus a change fee for your fare. Taxes can be refunded even on non-refundable fares.

  • Zero Bag No checked bag on most routes; high change fees; largely non-refundable.
  • Saver One checked bag; changes for a fee; refundable with a deduction.
  • Economy Two checked bags; moderate change fee.
  • Business and First More flexible, depending on the fare.
  • Taxes Can be refunded on request.

Kuwait Airways Seat Selection & Additional Services

Seat selection is paid on the cheaper economy fares and included on higher fares. Meals are served on all flights.

Business and First passengers get lounge access in Kuwait and priority services.

  • Seats Paid on Zero Bag and Saver.
  • Meals Included on all flights.
  • Business and First Lounges and priority services.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help in advance.

Kuwait Airways Baggage Allowance

Economy passengers can bring one cabin bag of up to 7 kg. Business and First allow up to 11 kg.

Zero Bag fares don't include a checked bag on most routes. Saver includes one bag (two to and from New York), Economy includes two bags of 23 kg, Business two bags of 32 kg and First three bags of 32 kg.

  • Economy cabin bag 1 piece, up to 7 kg.
  • Business and First cabin bags Up to 11 kg.
  • Zero Bag No checked bag on most routes.
  • Saver 1 checked bag.
  • Economy 2 × 23 kg.
  • Business 2 × 32 kg.
  • First 3 × 32 kg.
  • Extra bag About KWD 45 for the first and KWD 65 for the second.

Oasis Club: Kuwait Airways Loyalty Programme

Oasis Club is the airline's loyalty programme. Members earn miles on its flights, with fewer miles on the cheapest fares.

Miles can be spent on award flights and upgrades.

  • Programme Oasis Club.
  • Earn Miles on flights; reduced on Zero Bag.
  • Redeem Award flights and upgrades.
Join or log in on the Kuwait Airways website

Kuwait Airways: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are Kuwait Airways’ IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is KU. It appears in flight numbers (for example KU 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is KAC, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Where is Kuwait Airways headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Kuwait City, Kuwait.

03When was Kuwait Airways founded?

The airline was founded in 1954.

04What are Kuwait Airways’ main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Kuwait City (KWI) – Main Hub.

05What is the Kuwait Airways cabin baggage allowance?

Economy passengers can bring one cabin bag of up to 7 kg. Business and First allow up to 11 kg.

06Does the Zero Bag fare include checked baggage?

No, not on most routes. Saver includes one bag and Economy two bags of 23 kg.

07Which terminal does Kuwait Airways use?

It flies from Terminal 4 at Kuwait International Airport.

08Can I take a power bank on Kuwait Airways?

On Kuwait Airways you can carry up to two power banks in cabin baggage (up to 100 Wh without approval, 100–160 Wh with approval), but you cannot charge them, or charge devices from them, during the flight. They are never allowed in checked bags.

09What is Oasis Club?

Oasis Club is the airline's loyalty programme. Members earn miles on flights and can spend them on award flights and upgrades.

10Does Kuwait Airways have First Class?

Yes, on selected Boeing 777-300ER flights, with three 32 kg checked bags and lounge access.

11Can I change or cancel a Kuwait Airways flight?

On Kuwait Airways, Economy is sold as Zero Bag, Saver and Economy (Classic) fares. Business and First fares are also sold, with First available on Boeing 777-300ER flights. When you change a booking, you pay any fare difference plus a change fee for your fare.

12Is Kuwait Airways in an airline alliance?

No. Kuwait Airways is not a member of a global airline alliance, but it codeshares with several airlines.

Kuwait Airways, its logo and trademarks are the property of Kuwait Airways Corporation and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Kuwait Airways unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.